Tactical Headsets Update

Written by Susan Geoghegan

A
wide range of both wired and wireless headsets are available. These range from simple
single-ear and dual-ear headsets to advanced, in-ear tactical headsets that
feature hearing protection technology.The following companies all provide quality two-way radio accessories
that serve both the military and public safety markets.

The
DOMINATOR II was developed with a U.S. Naval Special Warfare team in an effort
to overcome issues they were having with other communication systems on the
market. Prior to the DOMINATOR project, most of the comms systems available
forced the operator to have something in, on or over one or both ears to
communicate. Many of the systems required earpieces to be worn in both ears to
both RX and TX.

Furthermore,
most of those same systems required the use of batteries inside the
push-to-talk coupled with software that required periodic updating via
connection to a PC. Other systems required ear cups to be positioned and worn
over both ears for radio RX.

Other
issues with these various designs included ear fatigue, sweat filling the ear
canals, less-than-clear transmitted comms by systems using an in-the-ear
microphone for TX and dissatisfaction with the quality of amplified ambient
environment, i.e., situational awareness (SA) and directional awareness (DA) as
compared to SA and DA from natural hearing.

The
DOMINATOR development project began in May 2009 and completion in December of
2012—a project that required nearly 3.5 years of development, design/re-design
and test and evaluation in both the U.S. and in theatre.

The
DOMINATOR II combines a waterproof/noise-canceling boom microphone for TX while
utilizing both bone conductors and electronic earpieces for radio RX. The bone
conductors and electronic earpieces work independently of one another as well
as in concert when operational requirements call for the implementation of
hearing protection.

When
hearing protection is not required, the earpieces can be removed from the ears
and stowed out of the way via a magnet assembly on each earpiece cable. Radio
RX is maintained without the use of the electronic earpieces via twin bone
conductors integrated into the headset.

Radio
transmissions are received via the facial bones directly in front of each ear
and passed via bone conduction to each inner ear canal. The DOMINATOR II is
available in both single and dual comm radio models and features a broad mix of
mission-specific accessory cables as well as connectors for the most fielded
military radio platforms. A wireless, gun mount remote push-to-talk control is
also available.

The
DOMINATOR II met the requirements of the U.S. NSW, including a simple-to-use
plug-and-play design, the ability to engage and disengage hearing protection at
will, little or no maintenance, no main push-to-talk batteries or software
upgrades as well as not having something in, on or over the ears at all times
to maintain RX and TX capabilities.

Since
1985, CeoTronics has been a global provider of short-range mobile digital
wireless radio networks and high-quality professional communication headsets
and systems. Drawing on the technical expertise of their 16 in-house
development engineers, the company delivers cutting-edge solutions to private
industry and the military, public safety, and law enforcement markets. CeoTronics’
product line includes the CT-DECT digital radio system for short-range duplex
communication, as well as a broad range of audio accessories for radios.

The
CT-DECT system provides personnel with a reliable means of speaking and listening
simultaneously, leaving both hands free to focus on the task at hand. Ideal for
emergency and rescue operations, the standard configuration of the CT-DECT
system can support a work team of up to five people, while the CT-DECT Case or
CT-DECT Conference unit extends the network up to eight people.

With
the CT-DECT headset, voice is picked up by a noise cancelling microphone and
transmitted via radio. Optional CT-ASR (Ambient Sound Reception) enables the
wearer to pick up environmental sounds while reducing noise to a level of 85
dB(A) to avoid damage to hearing. List prices start at $2,199.

Designed
for law enforcement agencies and fire brigades, CT-CombiCom is a multipurpose
communication system adaptable to all operational conditions. The headset can
be worn on either the right or left side of the head and is easily configurable
using the flexible head strap or headband/neckband. Rugged yet lightweight, it
is dust- and waterproof to stand up to the toughest conditions.

Since
the headphone does not close the ear off completely, users continue to perceive
ambient sounds.Available in both a
monaural and binaural version, the CT-CombiCom headset can be optionally
equipped with CT-DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) technology for noise suppression.
Prices start at $749.

Sales
Manager Jack Darden points out that approximately two-thirds of the company’s
global business is in the law enforcement, fire/rescue, and military markets,
making them the better choice for the public sector. In addition, Ceotronics
uses only the finest quality components that guarantee optimum cost effectiveness.
“The testament to our systems is backed by our three-year warranty—unheard of
in this industry. We manufacture quality, reliable accessories and back them to
the hilt,” Darden said.

Established
in 1997, The Ear Phone Connection manufactures and distributes tactical
communication and related equipment for the law enforcement market. The company
offers a complete line of radio accessories that include Lapel, Throat, and
Bone Conduction systems, Speaker and Noise Cancellation Microphones,
Push-To-Talk systems, and listen-only earphones. The latest addition to their
Tactical EarGadgets™ line of microphone and earphone products is the fully loaded
Crane Extreme headset.

The
Crane Extreme goes beyond the traditional headset by offering a cost-effective,
all-inclusive system with all the features necessary to achieve success in
mission-critical situations. The ambidextrous threaded connection at the
speaker housing allows the user to connect the external microphones to either
the right or left side for greater versatility in the field.

In
addition to the primary external noise-cancellation boom mic, the headset
package also includes the Tactical EarGadgets™ Cobra noise-cancellation throat
microphone. The boom and throat microphone can work together or separately,
making the dual microphone setup ideal for conditions requiring a gas mask or
helmet.

Using
bone conduction technology, the Crane Extreme delivers excellent audio quality
and superior anti-noise capability for unobstructed auditory situational
awareness. The headset package comes with a pair of Comply™ Foam 29 NRR eartips
designed to protect the ear against hazardous noise levels. The patented dual
foam technology increases retention and provides a secure and comfortable fit
with or without a helmet. With Comply ear tips, users can hear ambient sound
and clear radio transmission simultaneously. Pricing for the Crane Extreme
starts at $749.

Company owner Ruben Scheimberg touts the Crane
Extreme as the most versatile headset choice on the market. “Typically, any
headset modifications must be made at the time of order from the manufacturer. The
Crane Extreme’s ambidextrous feature changes that trend and allows users to build
their own unique setup. The Crane Extreme brings so many options to the table:
switch your boom microphone from left to right, apply your throat microphone
when a mask is required, experience safe sound protection at all times, and
implement new wireless PTT innovation,” Scheimberg said.

Founded
in 2003, FreeLinc delivers reliable, secure wireless communications products to
law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. Their patented Near
Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) technology allows communication free from
interference, interception and hazards associated with wires, cables and cords.
While the concepts behind NFMI are not new, FreeLinc was the first to apply
this technology to short-distance, personal communications. NFMI envelops
the personal space of each user, creating a “personal communications bubble”
that ensures privacy and enhanced security.

The FreeMotion 100 Wireless Communication System is a single-ear tactical
headset powered by near-field communication technology. Its lightweight design
provides optimum comfort, and provides 20 hours of continuous talk time on a
single charge. The microphone picks up voice even at a whisper, making it ideal
for surveillance operations.

Highly weather-resistant, the FreeMotion 100 comes with an assortment of
ergonomically designed ear gels and ear hooks for a comfortable, secure fit.
All FreeLinc systems interface with a portable radio through a FreeLinc
adapter, which features an on/off switch that returns the radio to standard
operation without having to remove the adapter.
FreeLinc Vice President of Sales, Diane Eller, stated, “With NFMI technology,
your transmissions are inherently secure and without the wires, there’s no more
need to alter clothing or worry about broken or tangled wires. Our new Remote
Push-To-Talk and Boom Microphone Extension for the FreeMotion 100 make it a
great addition to your portable radio for snipers, bicycle patrol or mounted
divisions.” She encourages agencies interested in purchasing FreeLinc products
to contact a representative for information on pricing and volume discounts.

Since
1991, Klein Electronics has been a leading provider of 2-way radios and
pro-quality accessories for radios and Nextel. Certified as a Small Business,
Disabled Veteran Owned Enterprise, Klein Electronics is committed to their
clients, which range from OEM, distributors, military and public safety, retail
chain stores, and the consumer direct. They offer a wide range of products
designed specifically for tactical police and military applications.

Ideal
for SWAT and rescue operations, both The Commander™ and Modular™ Series allow
for on-the-fly customization of headset kits. The Commander™ Series Tactical
Headset is an extreme heavy-duty headset with a noise-cancelling flexible boom
microphone. It features behind-the-head design with an adjustable rubber sizing
bar, and is weather resistant. A Tygon clear acoustic audio tube offers
protection in extreme noise conditions. Available with various cable lengths,
materials, diameters, and PTT button styles, the Commander™ is priced at $139.

The
Modular Commander™ Military/Tactical Headset offers the same features as the Commander™
but requires a modular junction box and connector cable. The speaker is encased
in weather-resistant housing located on the back of the headband. The price of
the Modular Commander ™ is $90.

For
patrol officers, the Shadow™ Listen-Only Earpiece and the Director™ Two-Wire
Surveillance Kit are considered the best choices. The Shadow™ features a high-quality
speaker, and a clear audio acoustic coil tube with quick-disconnect (an
optional black K-Tube™ - DET is available). It comes with a pinkie eartip, a
clothing clip, and a 12-inch or 42-inch length cord. With available connectors
that include 2.5mm right angle, 3.5mm right angle, and 3.5mm threaded, the
Shadow™ is priced at $39.

The
Director™ is a two-wire earpiece unit with a clear Quick-Disconnect Audio Tube.
It features true noise reduction microphone with side-bar PTT and improved
Kevlar-reinforced cabling and materials.Motorola, Blackbox, HYT,
Icom, Kenwood, Relm, Sepura, TEKK, Tetra & Vertex connectors are available. The Director™
is $69 with eartips and a steel clothing clip included.

For
almost 25 years, PRYME has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality products
for professional users of two-way radios. Their product line includes headsets,
lapel and speaker microphones, earphones, GPS accessories, and adapters. Headset
options range from medium- to heavy-duty, mini-boom to in-helmet microphone,
plus the latest in noise-resistance bone conduction technology. PRYME’s new NBP-BH Tactical Bone Conduction Headset is
a lightweight, robust headset ideal for tactical assault-type operations.

Using advanced bone conduction technology, the NBP-BH headset
features dual speakers that transmit audio directly into the user’s skull. The unique bone-conducting speakers vibrate the jawbone,
which in turn transmits audio directly into the inner ear, bypassing the
eardrum. This helps the user to hear better in high-noise locations, even when
wearing passive hearing protection. The dual speakers leave the user’s ears uncovered, allowing them to hear
incoming radio transmissions while, at the same time, maintaining situational
awareness.

The NBP-BH microphone is noise-cancelling
and mounted on an Adjustable Flex Boom for easy positioning.
In response to feedback from SWAT teams and
military personnel, PRYME added a thin, non-intrusive, over-the-head Velcro
strap to hold the headset firmly in place during intensive movement. Dave
George, President of Pryme said, “The ideal use for this product is in a high-noise
environment.

Pryme’s first generation version had a small mic built in
to one speaker, which picked up too much background noise. Customers asked us
to improve that feature, and we did. This year we added a flexible boom with a
noise-canceling mic element that can be placed close to the mouth.”MSRP starts at $150.

Safety Innovations is
a small, family-owned business that invents, manufactures and distributes
innovative products for law enforcement professionals. The company was established
in 2012 with the acquisition and release of multiple product lines and
technologies from existing companies that serve the public safety, security and
military markets. Several new products released in the past year include the
Safety Cell™ battery line, the VidMic™ officer worn video system, and the Ear
Hugger™ (EHS) line of radio accessories.

One of the products
acquired from EHS was the Ear Bone Microphone, which Safety Innovations
upgraded with technical and comfort enhancements and then re-released to the public
safety market. Ideal for surveillance, military and tactical operations, the
Ear Bone Microphone incorporates the earpiece and the microphone into one unit
that fits securely in the officer’s ear. This revolutionary patented design
features an elliptical earpiece with a soft cushion that rotates to lock into
any size ear.

The Ear Bone Mic
includes a radio connector, inline Push-to-Talk with auxiliary PTT input, an ear-bone
speaker earpiece, and a patented over-ear frame for additional stabilization. The
microphone transmits using ear bone vibration and provides ultra-covert
communication, even at a whisper. Other features include durable construction
designed to withstand harsh conditions, a covert matte black finish to reduce
reflected light, and strain relief and tubular reinforcement at strain points.
The Ear Bone Mic fits easily under helmets and shrouds, and does not interfere
with a gas mask.

According to Erich Pletsch, President of Safety
Innovations, the Ear Bone Microphone continues to provide the cleanest,
clearest reception of any bone conduction system in the industry, but with
enhanced comfort. “We’re really excited about the new enhancements to the Ear
Bone Mic product.

The original Ear Bone Mic, like most bone conduction
products, was uncomfortable to wear and did not fit all officers well. With our
enhanced design, we increased the sensitivity of the bone conduction system and
replaced the hard plastic earpiece with a soft, moldable plastic earpiece that
fits comfortably in almost any ear,” Pletsch said. The Ear Bone Microphone
comes with a hassle-free one-year warranty against breakage and lists for $79.

Founded
in 1996 by highly experienced tactical professionals, Tactical Command
Industries (TCI) is a leading manufacturer of radio communications systems and
equipment. TCI works on small custom integration as well as large defense
procurement, and provides both customized and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)
products.

The
company was recently acquired by The Safariland Group, a global provider of safety
and survivability products for the public safety, military, professional, and
outdoor markets. The acquisition of TCI is
consistent with The Safariland Group’s strategic focus on expanding its
portfolio of brands with top-quality product offerings.

TCI’s
latest addition to its line of Tactical Assault Bone Conduction headsets is the
TABC III. Featuring TCI’s proprietary Binaural Dynamic Audio Resonance System
(DARS), the TABCIII provides audio directly to the user’s cochlea via his/her
jawbone. Bypassing the ear drum, audio is picked up through vibration in the
inner ear by way of bone conduction. Equipped with TCI Tactical PTT, this state-of-the-art
binaural bone conduction headset features a behind-the-head fit that provides
added comfort and freedom of movement. The TABC III also allows the user to
maintain complete peripheral vision.

According
to Jim Price, Business Development Manager for TCI, the audio response and
quality is a huge improvement over the TABCII, yet remains one of the company’s
best values for a lightweight, low-profile head-mounted communications system. “The headset itself fits well under all
ballistic and non-ballistic helmets and is compatible with other user
protective gear,” Price explained.

“Additionally, we can use the TABCIII as the
base interface for all the same modifications we made with the TABCII, such as
dual communication, in-line disconnect, and C50/FM53 gas mask integration.” Compatible
with over 300 different radio systems, it is now available to law
enforcement and military customers. Pricing for the TABCIII starts at $480.

Founded
in 1969, TEA specializes in communication headsets and Push-To-Talk devices for
two-way radios, vehicle intercom systems, and mobile phones. In 1982, the
company designed and began to manufacture the LASH Communications Headset for
military and tactical applications.

Since
then, the range has expanded to include hundreds of specialized products for
the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, public safety and law
enforcement agencies, and the military market. TEA’s line of INVISIO® headsets
feature their patented Bone Conduction Technology that allows tactical teams to
effectively communicate in high-noise environments.

The
INVISIO® S10 System is an innovative alternative to the big and bulky boom
microphone headsets long worn by tactical operators. The system is equipped
with the INVISIO® X5 Headset, a smaller and sleeker headset designed to place
the bone conduction microphone in the exact spot within the inner ear where the
jawbone meets the ear canal to capture voice. With dual-ear technology, the incoming radio signal (Rx) is received in the left
ear while the outgoing radio signal (Tx) is transmitted from the right ear. Speech
is clearly transmitted with optimum clarity and minimal background noise, even
when wearing a gas mask or re-breather.

Equipped with external microphones on each earpiece, the X5
Headset is capable of super-enhanced hearing that allows the operator to
effectively monitor his/her surrounding environment. Comply™ Foam Canal Tips
help to provide the highest level of audible attenuation with a 29dB Noise
Reduction Rating. Powered
by a single AA battery, the S10 Headset System can be used with TEA
push-to-talk switches that can be adapted for use with most two-way radios.
Operation times are 42 hours using Lithium batteries and 25 hours with alkaline
batteries.

Nicholas
Lafferty, Director of Marketing for TEA, said that the S10 system features the
same innovative in-ear bone conduction technology found in their INVISIO
M-Series, as well as enhanced hearing protection. “In
addition to using the patented in-ear bone conduction microphone for speech
like the INVISIO M-Series, the INVISIO S10 dual in-ear headset system also
provides certified hearing protection from noises like gunfire or explosions as
well as digitally enhanced situational awareness. The INVISIO S10 can be used
with single or dual radio push-to-talk switches and works with both analog and
digital radios,” Lafferty said.

Founded in 2003, Threat4
is a leading North American designer and manufacturer of innovative radio
communication audio accessories, specializing in solutions for the military,
public safety, and Original Equipment Manufacturers. These solutions include push-to-talks
(PTTs), high-noise headsets, tactical headsets, speaker microphones, throat
microphones, ear bone microphones, surveillance kits, and digital (DSP)
headsets with active listening. More recently, Threat4 has focused its efforts
in providing Tactical Communications and Protective Systems (TCAPS) to address
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).

Threat4’s
65000 series headset features dual-bone conduction speakers for radio-received
audio and a noise-cancelling boom microphone. The radio audio is designed to be
received through the operator’s bones in front of the ears for optimal audio
situational awareness. Operators may add hearing protection and
engage/disengage at will, depending upon operational circumstances. Compatible
with most helmets and gas masks, the 65000 headset is waterproof up to 2m for
four hours. It is available in multi-configurations and is compatible with both
earplug and earmuff hearing protection. The 65000 is priced at $449.

An
upgrade to the 65000, the Threat4 62000 headset provides radio communications,
hearing protection, and talk-through functionality for military and SWAT
applications. “The 62000 is essentially a hearing protection hearing aid with
radio communications,” said Threat4’s co-founder and CEO Patrick Armstrong. “It
allows the operator to keep his/her ears open to maintain situational awareness
and still receive radio audio through temple tissue.” The x-62000 has been tested in Afghanistan and is currently used by over
100 law enforcement agencies in North America. It is priced at $952.

Susan Geoghegan is a freelance writer
living in Naples, Fla. She can be reached at skgwriter@comcast.net.